Rolfes Claims Mourinho Showdown Was a Game-Changer for Leverkusen

Basio badr

ago 2 hours

Rolfes Claims Mourinho Showdown Was a Game-Changer for Leverkusen

Simon Rolfes, Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director of sport, believes their last encounter with José Mourinho marked a pivotal moment for the club. As Leverkusen prepares to face Benfica at the Estadio da Luz, they aim for their inaugural victory in this season’s Champions League.

Context of Previous Encounter

Leverkusen’s last meeting with Mourinho occurred during the 2022-23 Europa League semi-finals. In that match, Mourinho’s AS Roma defeated Leverkusen 1-0 on aggregate. This setback was a significant moment for Rolfes and the team.

Turning Point for Leverkusen

Following their defeat against Roma, Leverkusen enjoyed a remarkably successful season, clinching both the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal. The only blemish on their record came in the Europa League final, where they lost to Atalanta, led by Ademola Lookman.

Bundesliga Champions: Yes
DFB-Pokal Winners: Yes
Europa League Final Loss: To Atalanta

The Impact of Mourinho’s Style

Rolfes noted that the loss to Roma provided Leverkusen with immense motivation. He emphasized the unique style Mourinho brings to coaching. “The defeat was a disappointment, but it fueled us,” Rolfes stated. “Moments like that can lead to remarkable achievements.”

Benfica’s Struggles

On the flip side, Benfica has faced difficulties this season, entering the match without a single point in the Champions League. They have lost all three of their prior matches in the group stage.

Benfica’s Champions League Results:
Match 1: Loss
Match 2: Loss
Match 3: Loss

Both teams are eager for a victory. Kasper Hjulmand, the head coach of Leverkusen, highlighted the importance of the match. “Both teams are here to win, and there will be no holding back,” he stated.

Conclusion

The upcoming match against Benfica offers Bayer Leverkusen a chance to not only seek redemption but also to continue building on the momentum gained from their previous experiences with Mourinho. This contest promises to be crucial in shaping their Champions League campaign.